Research
Kimberly Rathbun
About
Dr. Rathbun is an Assistant Professor at the College of Nursing at the University of South Florida. She earned her BS in Nursing and PhD in Nursing Research at the University of Central Florida (UCF). At UCF, Dr. Rathbun was awarded an NIH-funded F31 Predoctoral Fellowship as Principal Investigator to support her dissertation research and training. After obtaining her doctorate, Dr. Rathbun completed an NCI-funded T32 Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior at Moffitt Cancer Center. Her current research focuses on leveraging oral care, oral health, and the oral microbiome to reduce cancer-related symptoms. Her secondary program of research focuses on the reduction of healthcare-associated infections, particularly non-ventilator hospital acquired pneumonia. Ultimately, she aims to develop interventions to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life among patients with cancer.
Research Highlights
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- Rathbun KP, Sole ML, Yooseph S, Xie R, Bourgault AM, Talbert S. Oral Microbiome Changes During Hospitalization in Older Adults Not Receiving Mechanical Ventilation. Am J Crit Care. 2025 May 1;34(3):208-217. doi: 10.4037/ajcc2025470. PMID: 40307181; PMCID: PMC12183789.
- Rathbun KP, Bourgault AM, Sole ML. Probable Non-Ventilator-Associated Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia: A Case Report. Crit Care Nurse. 2024 Apr 1;44(2):49-58. doi: 10.4037/ccn2024693. PMID: 38555965; PMCID: PMC12129097.
Published Work:
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Recently invited to deliver a podium presentation on November 5, 2025, at the USF Microbiomes Institute titled “Leveraging the Oral Microbiome and Oral Health to Improve Outcomes in Vulnerable Populations.”
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- Implementation science | Cancer research
Brian D. Gonzalez, PhD
- Improve quality of life among cancer survivors
- Biostatistics | Cancer research
- Self-symptom management | Cancer research
- Biobehavioral Lab | Microbiome research
- Cognition in aging adults
Staff Recruitment
We are excited to hear from motivated students and researchers! If you are interested in joining our lab, please send your CV and a short cover letter describing your research interests/relevant experience to Dr. Rathbun (kimberlyr22@usf.edu).
Undergraduate students are expected to contribute around 4 hours per week as research volunteers. There may be opportunities for graduate students and trainees to participate in ongoing projects, depending on availability.
Contact
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Kimberly P. Rathbun, PhD, RN
Kimberly P. Rathbun, PhD, RNAssistant Professor813-396-2034